ANZAC Day: Saluting Heroes on Four Paws

Every year on the 25th of April, Aussies and Kiwis gather at dawn services across our nations to commemorate ANZAC Day. It's a day etched into our collective consciousness—a solemn occasion when we honour not just the fallen, but all those who've served our countries through times of conflict and peace. Today, I'd like to share a lesser-known yet deeply touching aspect of our military history: the role of cats in wartime service, particularly during the Great War.

The Birth of the ANZAC Spirit: Gallipoli Landing

It was 108 years ago today when young men from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the shores of Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. As part of the British Empire's forces, these diggers were thrust into a brutal campaign against the Ottoman Empire that would forever change our national identities.

The landing at dawn on April 25th, 1915, was meant to be a swift operation to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), knock Turkey out of the war, and open a supply route to Russia. Instead, it became an eight-month stalemate of trench warfare in punishing terrain, under constant enemy fire.

The ANZACs fought with extraordinary courage and tenacity, displaying what would later be called the "ANZAC spirit"—that quintessentially antipodean blend of mateship, irreverence towards authority, resourcefulness, and unflinching bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

By the time of the evacuation in December 1915, over 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders had lost their lives. Many more returned home bearing physical and psychological scars that would never fully heal.

The Gallipoli campaign, though ultimately unsuccessful in military terms, became the crucible in which our independent national identities were forged. For the first time, Australians and New Zealanders began to see themselves not just as distant outposts of the British Empire, but as unique nations with our own character and capabilities.

"Lest We Forget": The Meaning Behind ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day isn't about glorifying war or celebrating military victories. Rather, it's about honouring sacrifice, remembering loss, and appreciating the peace we enjoy today because of those who served.

The phrase "Lest We Forget" encapsulates the spirit of the day—a solemn promise to remember the cost of war and the value of peace. It reminds us that our freedom and prosperity were bought with the blood and sacrifice of ordinary people who answered their nation's call in extraordinary times.

Each year, as the Last Post echoes across dawn services around Australia and New Zealand, we stand in silence, reflecting on the meaning of service and sacrifice. The minute's silence that follows offers a rare moment of national unity and contemplation in our busy modern lives.

The Unsung Heroes: Ship's Cats in the Great War

When we think of wartime service, our minds naturally turn to the men and women in uniform. But there were other, smaller participants in the war effort whose contributions deserve recognition—the faithful feline companions who served aboard naval vessels.

In the Royal Australian Navy, as in all Commonwealth navies during the Great War, virtually every ship had its own cat. These weren't mere mascots or pets—they were working members of the crew with vital roles to play:

Masters of Pest Control

The primary job of any ship's cat was rodent control. This wasn't just about comfort—it was a matter of survival. On wooden warships, rats posed a serious threat. They would:

• Devour precious food supplies, which were often limited on long voyages
• Chew through ropes, wooden structures, and later, electrical wiring
• Spread diseases that could decimate a crew in the confined quarters of a ship
• Damage navigational equipment and other crucial systems

A good mouser could make the difference between a healthy, well-supplied crew and one facing starvation or disease. Cats patrolled the ships day and night, keeping the rodent population in check with remarkable efficiency.

Barometers of Danger

Sailors came to rely on their feline shipmates for more than just pest control. Cats have an uncanny ability to sense changes in atmospheric pressure and detect vibrations. Crew members learned to watch their ships' cats closely—if the cat became agitated or sought shelter, it might be an early warning of approaching storms or, in wartime, even enemy activity.

There are numerous accounts from both World Wars of cats displaying unusual behaviour shortly before enemy attacks, potentially saving hundreds of lives through their heightened senses.

Morale Boosters and Emotional Support

Perhaps the most profound contribution of ships' cats was to the mental wellbeing of the crew. Life at sea during wartime was incredibly stressful—long periods away from home, the constant threat of enemy attack, cramped living conditions, and the monotony of daily routines could take a severe toll on sailors' mental health.

A ship's cat provided:

• Companionship in lonely times
• A touch of normalcy and domesticity in the unnatural environment of a warship
• Comic relief through their playful antics
• A living creature to care for, giving sailors a sense of purpose beyond their military duties
• A sympathetic presence that asked no questions and offered no judgments

Many veterans' accounts mention the ship's cat as one of their fondest memories of wartime service. In the midst of chaos and destruction, these small creatures represented something innocent and worth protecting.

Symbols of Good Fortune

Sailors are a superstitious lot, and cats—particularly black cats—were considered harbingers of good luck at sea. Many a sailor refused to set sail if the ship's cat was missing, believing it portended disaster.

This superstition wasn't entirely without foundation. A ship without a cat would quickly become overrun with rats, leading to the very real disasters of spoiled provisions and damaged equipment.

Famous Feline War Heroes

The annals of naval history record several notable ships' cats whose service went above and beyond:

Simon of HMS Amethyst

Perhaps the most decorated feline servicemember was Simon, who served aboard the British Royal Navy vessel HMS Amethyst during the 1949 Yangtze Incident in China. Though this was after the World Wars, Simon's story exemplifies the vital role ships' cats played.

When HMS Amethyst came under fire from Communist forces, Simon was severely wounded by shrapnel. Despite his injuries, he continued his mousing duties, protecting the ship's dwindling food supplies from rats. He also visited injured sailors in the sick bay, providing comfort and boosting morale during the 101 days the ship was trapped.

For his service, Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) and the Blue Cross Medal. He remains the only cat to have received the Dickin Medal, Britain's highest award for animal gallantry.

Unsinkable Sam

Originally named Oscar, this remarkable black and white cat served on three warships during World War II—first on the German battleship Bismarck, then on the British destroyer HMS Cossack, and finally on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. Incredibly, all three ships were sunk in action, and each time, Oscar survived.

After his third rescue, sailors—convinced he was either incredibly lucky or bringing bad luck to ships—renamed him "Unsinkable Sam" and retired him to a sailors' home in Belfast. His remarkable story of survival became legendary in naval circles.

Trim: Matthew Flinders' Seafaring Companion

Though he predated the World Wars, no discussion of famous ships' cats in Australian naval history would be complete without mentioning Trim, the faithful companion of explorer Matthew Flinders. During the circumnavigation of Australia from 1801-1803, Trim was not just a mouser but a beloved member of the crew. Flinders was so fond of Trim that he later wrote a biographical tribute to him, describing him as "the best and most illustrious of his race, the most affectionate of friends, faithful of servants, and best of creatures."

A statue of Trim stands outside the Mitchell Library in Sydney, honouring this early Australian feline navigator.

The Legacy of Ships' Cats in Australian Naval Tradition

While modern navies no longer officially employ cats aboard vessels (primarily due to hygiene regulations and the international movement of animals), the tradition of ships' cats lives on in naval folklore and our maritime heritage.

Many naval bases around Australia maintain resident cats who are unofficially considered part of the service. The tradition of naming these cats after naval heroes or vessels continues the centuries-old bond between sailors and their feline companions.

The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney occasionally features exhibits on ships' cats, preserving their stories for future generations and acknowledging their contribution to our naval history.

ANZAC Day in Modern Australia: A Living Tradition

ANZAC Day has evolved significantly since the first commemorations held in the aftermath of the Great War. What began as a day to remember those lost at Gallipoli has expanded to encompass all conflicts involving Australian and New Zealand forces.

Today's observances typically include:

Dawn Services

The dawn service remains the emotional heart of ANZAC Day. Beginning in darkness just before sunrise—mirroring the time of the original Gallipoli landing—these solemn ceremonies feature:

• The laying of wreaths
• The playing of the Last Post
• A minute's silence
• The Ode of Remembrance: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them."
• The Reveille, signalling the return to daily life

ANZAC Day Marches

Following the dawn service, many communities hold marches through town centres. Originally featuring veterans, these parades now often include serving personnel, descendants wearing family medals, and representatives of various service organisations. The sight of elderly veterans marching alongside young service members creates a powerful visual representation of the continuity of service across generations.

The Two-Up Tradition

The afternoon of ANZAC Day traditionally sees pubs across Australia ring with the calls of "heads!" and "tails!" as people gather to play Two-up—a simple gambling game involving tossing two coins that was popular among diggers. Normally illegal outside of casinos, Two-up is permitted on ANZAC Day as a nod to our military heritage.

Family Gatherings

For many Australian families, ANZAC Day is a time to share stories of relatives who served, perhaps bring out old photographs or medals, and connect younger generations to their family's military history. These personal commemorations are just as important as the public ceremonies in keeping the ANZAC spirit alive.

Honouring All Who Served: Human and Animal

As we commemorate ANZAC Day, it's fitting to remember not just the human participants in our military history, but also the animals who served alongside them—the horses of the Light Horse Brigade, the messenger pigeons, the tracker dogs, and yes, the humble ships' cats.

These animals didn't choose to go to war. They couldn't comprehend the political conflicts that sent them into danger. Yet they served faithfully, providing practical assistance and emotional support to our service personnel in the most trying of circumstances.

In recognising their contribution, we acknowledge a fuller, more humane picture of warfare—one that recognises the bonds between species and the comfort those bonds provided in humanity's darkest hours.

Ways to Commemorate ANZAC Day

If you're moved to honour the spirit of ANZAC Day, here are some meaningful ways to do so:

1. Attend a local dawn service or watch the national ceremony broadcast from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
2. Wear a red poppy or a sprig of rosemary (which grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula and symbolises remembrance).
3. Research your family's military history and share these stories with younger generations.
4. Visit a local war memorial or museum to learn more about Australia's military past.
5. Support veteran organisations such as the Returned and Services League (RSL) or Legacy, which assist veterans and their families.
6. Consider the welfare of animals who continue to serve in military and police roles today, or perhaps make a donation to organisations that care for retired service animals.
7. Bake ANZAC biscuits, the iconic hard tack cookies that were sent to troops overseas because they could survive the long journey without spoiling.
8. Reach out to elderly veterans in your community who may appreciate a visit or assistance.

Reflections on Service and Sacrifice

In a world that often seems increasingly divided, ANZAC Day offers us a rare opportunity for national reflection and unity. It reminds us that the freedoms and privileges we enjoy today were secured through the service and sacrifice of ordinary people who were called to extraordinary circumstances.

The ANZAC legacy isn't about glorifying war or celebrating military might. It's about honouring courage, mateship, resourcefulness, and endurance—qualities that continue to define our national character long after the guns of war have fallen silent.

And perhaps, in remembering the smaller participants in our military history—like the ships' cats who kept watch over our naval vessels—we can appreciate a more complete picture of wartime service. One that recognises not just the grand strategies and famous battles, but also the daily realities of those who served: their fears, their hopes, their need for companionship, and the small comforts that helped them endure.

As the sun rises over ANZAC Cove each April 25th, we stand in the long shadow of history and make our solemn promise: Lest We Forget. We will not forget the human cost of war. We will not forget the service rendered in our name. And we will not forget that peace is always worth striving for.

In honouring all who served—whether on two legs or four—we recommit ourselves to building a world worthy of their sacrifice.

Lest We Forget.